PHNOM PENH, Oct. 12 (FN) -- Cambodia's National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin said Wednesday that the forthcoming state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Cambodia will elevate Cambodia-China ties to the highest-ever level in history.

The Cambodian top legislator made the remarks during a meeting with newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo, according to Keo Piseth, a spokesman for Samrin.

"Samdech (honorific title for Heng Samrin) said that he was confident that President Xi's visit would lift Cambodia-China relations and cooperation to the highest-ever level," Piseth told reporters.

According to the spokesman, Samrin said Cambodia and its people are very proud to welcome the upcoming state visit of President Xi to Cambodia.

Xi will pay his first state visit to Cambodia starting on Thursday, both countries announced Monday.